Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Challenge #172 - Anything Goes

Welcome back, crafters! It's hard to believe that February is almost gone, isn't it? The time is passing quickly, and we continue to be blessed by the wonderful cards and projects you share with us each week. We consider you ALL winners, and we thank you for taking the time to play along. We have another great challenge for you all this week, and we are SO grateful to have you join us.This week's word art scripture is John 15:9 and these are the words of Jesus. He says, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love". This is a progressive type of love; and because of it, we are SO blessed and SO loved. The love that God the Father has for His Son, Jesus Christ, is a love that we cannot comprehend in our simple human minds. Yet, it is the type of love that Jesus has for us as His children. Because God's love is SO incredibly deep and genuine, it gives us the opportunity to feel that love, and enjoy the comfort of knowing we have eternal life through His love for us. God loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer and die for our sins. Jesus, who is God, but was sent as the sacrifice; loves His children in the same way. Now, Jesus asks each of us to love others in that same manner. Unfortunately, we fail. While we attempt to love others the way God loves us, we are unable to truly match it because of our sin. This is why it's SO incredibly important for us to accept the gift of eternal life that God gave us when He came to earth in the form of human flesh (Jesus Christ) and died on the cross for our sins, making a way for our sinful souls to get to Heaven. We have an obligation to do our very best to love others in the same way God loves us. Only when we have surrendered our lives to Jesus can we begin to attempt loving others the way God loves us. God wants us to enjoy the love of Christian brothers and sisters; but we MUST first confess our sins and get right with Him. Then, and only then, can we truly experience not only the love God has for us; but also the brotherly love of other Christians. Next time you see someone without that love, without that joy, just remember that they need Jesus. It's an opportunity for us to share God's love, and an opportunity to help save a soul from an eternity in Hell. Don't ever shy away from an opportunity to share the story of how God loved us enough to die for us, and how we can experience His love in its fullness by placing our faith and trust in Him. This is how we show our love for Him, and for others.As always, you are welcome to save this week's free scripture/word art file to your computer, but are not required to use it in order to play along in our challenges. We welcome you share your art with us; remembering that Anything Goes as long as it's family-friendly, and uses an encouraging or uplifting sentiment. This includes any type of altered or digital art (not just limited to cards). You may link up to five (5) projects each week. The more you enter, the more you increase your odds of winning. It is our desire that God's Word will be a blessing and encouragement to you each week. If you have any questions about the rules, be sure to read the complete list of rules under our page tab for "Challenge Rules". Because our ultimate goal is to honor God, we have no other choice but to delete any entries that do not adhere to these guidelines. Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your understanding and participation!

Deedee's Digis is our Digital Sponsorthis week. One lucky crafter will winsome of their SUPER sweet digis.Several of our DT Members have usedDeedee's Digis on their projects.AND NOW......Here are our lucky winners:

The Kraft Outlet is offering one lucky persona $15 Gift Certificate to their AWSOMEstore. That lucky person isEntry #196 - Debbie's Dash Of This & ThatEnjoy shopping at the Kraft OutletAND

11 comments:

Ah ladies wonderful DT work again... and love them all.. congratulations to the winners... and yes we are so very blessed to have the Love of the LORD manifest by His gracious gift of salvation. It is free for all who truly, simply like a child, believe in the LORD Jesus as their Saviour .. may we indeed continue walk day by day in that light,beautifully done verse, Karen.Shaz in Oz.x